The Australian TV landscape has just been supercharged by the arrival of TCL’s 2026 SQD Mini-LED range. It brings with it serious performance upgrades, especially for gamers who want high refresh rates and strong HDR on a big screen. We have the flagship X11L, a true beast, and the feature-packed and accessible C8L.
In this editorial (video version above!), we will be taking a closer look at the features and technology driving the experience not just for gaming, but for all your entertainment needs. And coming along for the ride is this; the 75” X11L.
Let’s start with the name: what is SQD? It stands for Super Quantum Dot Mini LED, which is the proprietary tech powering TCL’s next-generation premium models. An evolutionary leap that sees TCL’s panels offering an experience RGB Mini-LED and high-end OLEDs can’t achieve for the ultimate TV experience in Australian conditions.
So, how does SQD work? Traditionally, quantum dots are 60 nanometres in size, but with SQD tech, they are reduced to 5 nanometres. This finer ultra colour filter layer can cover up to 4,000 pixels in any given dimming zone, each of which is powered by a new, high-purity single-stream white LED backlight.
In short, it’s a 12x improvement in pixel control, that also eradicates the cross-pixel colour bleed and blooming issues that face RGB-Mini LEDs.
We’re talking an all-scenes pure colour palette here, with exceptional brightness and unprecedented contrast for an LCD panel. This results in deep blacks and vibrant visuals while retaining a thin chassis for those beautiful, flush wall mounts. Additionally, a native refresh rate of 144Hz at 4K resolution reducing noticeable motion blur and ghosting.
All without the risk of burn-in. This is the kind of brightness and contrast that holds up even when the lights are on or the sun is shining, useful in many Australian homes.
The entire 2026 TCL range is feature-rich, especially for gamers. From the entry level C6L, upwards through the P7LS, C7L and P8LS, there’s great bang for buck to be found. However, the SQD range begins with the exceptional C8L and the flagship X11L.
The C8L comes in 65, 75, 85 and 98-inch sizes, whereas the X11L comes in at 75, 85 and 98-inches. With the same great panel technology, feature-set and MediaTek Pentonic 800 processor, the main differences between the two premium models comes down to peak brightness, dimming zones and width.
The 98-inch C8L, for example, offers 4,000 dimming zones and 6000nits peak brightness, which is still fantastic. While the 98-inch X11L goes to the next level with 20,000 dimming zones and up to 10,000nit of brightness. The X11L is also much thinner at just 2cm, than the C8L at 5cm. Competitively priced across the sizes, this gives you the opportunity to get a next-generation SQD panel, regardless of budget.
The news gets even better for gamers. Both the X11L and C8L feature four HDMI 2.1 ports for ultimate connection to modern consoles and PCs. There’s also a dedicated Game Bar in the HUD, for quick access to settings and performance. You’ve got FreeSync Premium Pro Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency support, too. Plus, Dolby Vision Gaming, to not just maximise HDR tone-mapping, but optimise lag.
The real gamechanger is the Game Accelerator mode. This utilises Dual Line Gate technology to double the native refresh rate up to 288Hz, by reducing the resolution to 1080p. It means gamers with a PC capable of outputting games at framerates up to 288, can choose to get the full benefit on a large-screen TV.
It’s a huge win for competitive gaming, where seeing the action quickly is more important to seeing it in high resolution. Effectively, unshackling the best PC gaming experiences from a monitor and bringing it to the couch. So cool.
This is on top of all the game-friendly features like broad contrast, colour and HDR, which ensure you never miss a detail from your favourite experiences. With enough pop to be clearly visible regardless of the natural light that floods many Australian homes.
Whether you’re looking for a great TV for gaming, sport or entertainment, the 2026 TCL range is absolutely worth your attention. Feature rich and utilising tip-of-the-spear tech, these are bang for buck panels that will transform your lounge rooms.
In particular, the C8L and X11L, which levels-up the industry with its pioneering SQD Mini-LED colour explosion.
If you’re after a big-screen TV that handles fast gaming, HDR content, and bright rooms without compromise, the 2026 SQD range from TCL is worth a serious look, go into your nearest retailer to see it for yourself.
